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The Pittsburgh Penguins were founded in 1967 during the league’s expansion from six to 12 teams by a group led by Pennsylvania state senator Jack McGregor. The team had moderate success in the early years before difficulty in the 1980s gave way to them drafting Mario Lemieux in 1984, Mark Recchi in 1988, and Jaromir Jagr in 1990. This trio, which would be joined by fellow NHL All-Stars, won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1991 and 1992. Financial struggles in the early 2000s nearly led to the team being relocated before Lemieux converted deferred salary into a majority ownership stake, which eventually led to the team selecting Marc-Andre Fleury, Evgeni Malkin, and Sidney Crosby in consecutive drafts. The result has been three Stanley Cups (2009, 2016, and 2017) and a 16-year playoff streak that ended in 2023.

Penguins Forced to Scramble Lines Due to Injuries

Sooner or later, the injury train was going to make its stop in Pittsburgh, and a little over a week ago, the Penguins felt its effects. Second-line winger Rickard Rakell was placed on injured reserve because of an undisclosed injury. Rakell had not scored a goal through the first 17 games of the season, and it is not clear when he is expected to return. Defenseman Chad Ruhwedel is also currently out of the lineup with an undisclosed injury. These injuries have forced the team to shuffle their lines and give some younger players the opportunity to shine.  Penguins New-Look…

Today in Hockey History: Nov. 30

This date in 2005 saw a major trade that forever changed two franchises. Also, one of the greatest players in National League Hockey history hit a significant milestone. In addition, Nov. 30 was a very busy date on Long Island and for some of the biggest names in the game. So. let’s hop aboard the THW time machine and relive all the great best moments from this date. A Huge Date in 2005 Nov. 30, 2005, is a date that makes Boston Bruins fans cringe and San Jose Sharks fans give high fives. This is when the Bruins traded team…

Marc-André Fleury Curse Continues to Hit Teams

The NHL’s expansion protocol dictates the holding of a draft to fill out the roster of new teams. The Seattle Kraken picked apart the rest of the league to staff their team in 2021-22, just as the Vegas Golden Knights did when they began play in 2017-18. When the Golden Knights arrived on the scene, the hockey world was shocked when the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins failed to protect franchise goaltender and former first-overall pick Marc-André Fleury. The Golden Knights jumped on the opportunity and selected Fleury in the expansion Draft. The former Penguins superstar promptly led the…

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Penguins FAQ

What year were the Pittsburgh Penguins founded?

The Pittsburgh Penguins were founded in 1967 during the league’s expansion from six to 12 teams.

When did the Pittsburgh Penguins play their first game?

The Penguins’ first game was on Oct. 11, 1967, against the Montreal Canadiens. The Penguins lost 2-1.

Who is the current head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins?

Mike Sullivan is the current head coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins.